Can secondhand smoke increase my risk for heart disease?

Nonsmoking adults who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk for coronary heart disease by 25 - 30%.  In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Secondhand smoke changes how your heart, blood, and blood vessels work in many ways. Studies have shown that brief exposure to secondhand smoke causes your blood platelets to stick together. It also damages the lining of your blood vessels. In your heart, these changes can cause a deadly heart attack.


The presence of the CDC logo and CDC content on this page should not be construed to imply endorsement by the US Government of any commercial products or services, or to replace the advice of a medical professional. The mark “CDC” is licensed under authority of the PHS.

Passive exposure to other people's smoke puts you at risk for heart disease. A report issued by the U.S. Surgeon General warned that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increased their risk of developing heart disease by 25% to 30%.